Training at CATC

[sla]

I am currently applying (waiting for the tests at the mo) and would like to find out some info about the course structure.

Approximatly how much of the course is held at the college, and how often are trainees studying elsewhere? Also is it 9 - 5 or is there a shift system?

[TrafficTraffic]

Crikey,

I hope posting threads in a web forum isnt part of the aptitude test.

[Brian81]

Heeheehee TrafficTraffic...

Anyhoo, Sla.

Firstly, its a well known thing that NATS recruitement takes a little time (It took 2 years from Application to course for me), so the advice I give now may not be true when you actually get to the college.

The hours.

The day starts at 8am and finishes around 16:15. Its Monday to Friday and its FUN-FUN-FUN from minute one. *By the way, this is not sarcasm, I loved it. Dont get me wrong, its damn hard work, but approach it from the right angle and its terrific.

You spend lots of time at the college, the only real "on unit" training is between the aerodrom course and the Area / Approach course. (when I say training, its *not really* training as such, just a bit of exposure to the real world - the "TV-screen windows" in the pretend tower at the college become confusing after a while.)

Anyways, I digress,

You also (of course) get unit training when you actually get posted to your unit (which, lets be honest, is probably going to be Swannick).

Course life is Brilliant, when you first get there, 95% of the course live in the same street ( *sighs* ), its really easy to study and even easier to find local pubs.

Sorry, got sidetracked again.

Course Structure:

Well, like I said, it may be a while before you *actually* get there, and I think the course is changing aswell, so the following is only good for the time it takes you to read it.

You follow a set pattern

Aerodrome 1 course (VFR traffic and a happy airfield where you can just about smile, involving a fire appliance and taxying aircraft - oh yeah, and one or two get airborne)

(* A special NATS suprise awaits those who pass *) :ok:

Aerodrome 2 course (VFR & IFR traffic with loads of new things, slot times with heathrow traffic levels - just rememeber KEEP SMILING & RELAX)

ON THE JOB TRAINING - you get to pick a place from a list. YAY!

Then the course divides, some people who are chosen to be airport controllers do an approach radar course, the others (about 90%) get to do Area radar courses - by the time you get here, you have the respect of the instructors. ;) :ok:

Anyway - hope this helps, its certainly brought back some happy memories for me of my time at heaven.... oh, sorry, I meant College Of Air Traffic Control.

Bri.

[360BakTrak]

Good grief! What a happy fluffy world Brian lives in!!!
The CATC course does actually involve some work, not just flouncing around wittering on about how wonderful 'heaven' is!!!
Good luck when you get there!!!!!

Oh yeah, 'have the respect of the instructors'? You wot????!!!

[Barnaby the Bear]

I must have gone to a different college!? :E

[Jerricho]

involving a fire appliance

I'm sure Fire 1 would love to be referred to as an "Applicance". Great stuff! :ok:

I want what he's on!!! ;)

[Brian81]

:D

360BakTrak, Barnaby The Bear & Jerricho, I feel truly loved... :)

Glad my mini-essay gave you a smile. If it achieved that, then Im happy. :p

===
Respect of our instructors - thats what our team manager said when we finished the course...

"a new level of respect" was their exact phrase I think.

and, rather unfortunately, *sigh*. The only thing "Im on" is life...

Take care people.

Bri.

[Jerricho]

When you're the lowest of the low, the only way is up! ;)

(And some of us are still lower than others, ain't that right Point 7!?!)

All the best.

[Gonzo]

Jer, you not heard the news? The illustrious controlling God we call point Seven is now working in our Ops dept. In fact, quite a few ATCOs have been seen off-watch and gracing Ops' office with their presence.

Of course, the rest of us who don't have connections in high (or low, depending on your point of view......) places don't seem to hear of the possibility of time in Ops.....

:E

[Jerricho]

Point 7, in ops.......

Up till now, the funniest thing I had heard today was Brian81's description of the college.

Up till now.

http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/roflmao.gif

[Gonzo]

slot times with heathrow traffic levels

Hey, maybe we could send him down to have a go at this? :E

[vfrflyer]

And there was a time a friendly sole down there would supply a little chemical assistance.

[Jerricho]

I think, given his new "status", we should afford him the respect due to him! ;)

(We so gotta stop hi-jacking these threads Gonze!)

[Gonzo]

'Respect' and 'Ops'...... Hmmmm, not convinced. Maybe when they stop taking two tea breaks an hour.......They know who they are!!!!!!!!!! ;)

[Jerricho]

afford him the respect due to him!

:p

[eyeinthesky]

QUOTE

(We so gotta stop hi-jacking these threads Gonze!)

UNQUOTE

Absolutely right. Your banter is amusing only to you. Since you so clearly know each other, why don't you engage in the banter at work or socially, rather than hijacking someone else's valid questions with your in-jokes?

Go and play elsewhere.:mad:

[Jerricho]

EITS, seems to me the question was answered long ago.

Funny, I didn't think posting here had a pre-requisite of amusing you. Don't let the door hit you on the @ss on the way out.

(Gonzo wouldn't socialise with me anyway, I'm way too uncouth for him.)

[Bright-Ling]

Well I thought the thread had died...... and it was amusing.

Honestly..... wehn people try and hijack someone elses fun eh?

B-L

[keithl]

It's probably too late, threads been irretrievably hijacked, I know - but I was going to ask a serious question on this topic.

How much Procedural (i.e. non-radar) training do you get? There's quite a few non-radar a/ds north of me and sometimes, well, let's just say my understanding of the rules and procedures is different from theirs.

[Gonzo]

When we went through ('98), not very much. Now I think even less.

Wow, that was serious! :oh:

[Barnaby the Bear]

I heard that NATS have/or are in the process of fazing Procedural training out all together.
Basically due to the number of back up radar heads available at their units, and modern equipment, a Radar fail is unlikely.......apparently :8

That was even more serious than you Gonzo..........But probably aload of B@**$^#t :}

[360BakTrak]

What course were you on then Gonzo? I was there as well in '98...our paths might have crossed although I was probably too p!ssed to remember it.

[Gonzo]

I was on 106.

When we get the trainees from the more recent courses, I feel old, even though I'm still younger than most of them!:}

Barnaby, not B@**$^#t, but I think it should be 'phased' rather than 'fazed' :ok:

[HarryBucket]

Just a note on the College, if I may?

The College courses are (supposidly) changing this summer to a similar system of training used many moons ago (due to the introduction of ESAARS5, which means you must use your rating within 6 months of course or sit refresher).

All new recruits will now recieve job offers for either Enroute or Approach (wish list has now gone). They will all then go to the College and enjoy a Foundation course which includes Met, Aviation Law etc. After this they then split off into the 2 disciplines.

Airports bound Students will study an Aerodrome course. After passing this they will be posted to Unit and undergo Validation Training. Once this has been achieved they will then return to the College (at a suitable time) to undergo the Approach course. (Not sure of the implications if you are posted to a Tower only Unit)

The Area students (after the split) will undergo the Area course which I believe is still 6 months in total but with a reduction in the Procedural training, for more radar training. After this they will be posted to Unit, sorry slip of the keys, to Swanwick.

Hope this is of some use to potential Students.:D

[alfie1999]

Harry,
Do students have any input at all now on their streaming? If a student has a particular wish to specialise will the staff try and accomodate them or is it go where you're told?

[Jerricho]

Very fair point Alfie. As just about all candidates visit one if not more units, they would have some idea of area or approach.Not everybody wants to sit in a tower and look at jets, and not everybody want's to be a radar driver. Hopefully there will be some facility for a preference to be made.

But then again, can't keep everybody happpy..............

[Point Seven]

Ladies

Nice to know that even in my extended absence, due to work commitments;) , you still find me a worthy subject to pontificate on.

Jerricho

You are the lowest of the low, but I'm still gonna miss you and the hard night's boozing in Windsor of a summer we used to enjoy. It even improved your vectoring.

Leprechaun Boy, sorry Gonzo

You inane banter on this forum has not gone unnoticed. I will exert revenge when it is appropriate. For now just go back to cooking your stupid cakes for your watch buddies. And trying to push onto the outer (Alpha) taxiway.

Applicants

Good on you kids. Get in, get to a unit and enjoy the best job in the world (unless you are working with Gonzo. He's a bit weird.) However Aerodrome 2 is nothing like the mighty beast that is Heathrow.

P7

[Gonzo]

I will exert revenge when it is appropriate

Perhaps " exact my revenge " would be a better use of the English language.

[Jerricho]

HEY P7...................welcome back buddy!

I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy, you big Ops God you.

And Gonze, exert was the right word. Anything P7 does is a major exertion for him, especially ATC ;)

[Point Seven]

Jer

1800 posts?! Get out of the house and meet people you weirdo.;)

Gonzo

If all you can do is make misguided atempts to correct my English then things are getting bad. Exert is what I meant, "exact" would not be a better use of English it would merely change it into a well known and used phrase. Ginge.

P7

[Jerricho]

P7 - No car, no Playstation, no Sky TV, living in West Drayton at the moment (I can see the roof of the centre from here).....you tell me what I'm supposed to do ;).

[Beejam]

I was amused to read the light hearted reply about how much fun the college is.

Personally I didn't realise how much stress I was under until I validated at TC......

I certainly find valid life a lot less stressful than college/TC training.

I can say though that no matter how hard you find it....it is worth it.

[ILS 119.5]

As said esrlier. work hard and respect the instructors. Unfortunately most of them have been out of operational duties for some time, in fact in my day quite a few of them never validated at a UK unit and were useless. They would never make it in the real world. But the college is not a real world, it is only there for students to pass exams and gain a basic knowledge of ATC. The real world starts at your unit. I personally do not have great memories of the college. I was on a good course with many friends but it was hard work, fun times in the seagull but only talking college stuff. The most depressing times were when good friends were chopped at the end of each rating (had to do all 5). Basically, work through the college and pass, go to your unit with an open mind, be nice and expect all controllers/OJTI's not to give you any respect. Then validate and you are one of the team. It is not an easy ride believe me, but it can be fun. Good Luck.

[sla]

Thanks everyone who's given some insight into life at the college - every scrap of info is much appreciated. I'm still waiting to do my aptitude tests (end of March), I'll let you know how it all goes.

[Gonzo]

Yes, as a trainee you might encounter a lack of respect from the odd OJTI, but it's not all bad, and it's getting better. I can only speak for my watch, but I reckon we're pretty welcoming. Only if you treat us all to lunch before our second afternoon, though...... :ok:

[ILS 119.5]

"Lunch"
We used to go to the Cherry Tree in West Drayton for the strippers before the afternoon shifts.

[cb9002]

OK Guys... while (roughly) on the subject...

(from the stuff I got through the post recently)

There is no formal dress code ... although trainees are encouraged to adopt an 'Office Style' of dress whilst undergoing training.

Does that mean I have to wear a suit? I hate them things! What do most people wear? Every unit I've been to, the only dress code was T-shirt and jeans!

Thanks!

[Jerricho]

I'm fairly sure shirt and tie is expected, but this is "relaxed" during the summer (so that's about a week ;) ) and just a collared shirt is requred.

They'll let you know when you get there. Just don't wear a waistcoat (:p Gonze)

[Gonzo]

There's nothing wrong with a sharply tailored waistcoat, my Dear Jerricho.... :rolleyes:

[Jerricho]

Not much that's right with them either ;)

[Gonzo]

Jealousy is an ugly thing......:D

[Barnaby the Bear]

"Lunch"
We used to go to the Cherry Tree in West Drayton for the strippers before the afternoon shifts.

Did the trainee's put the 50p in the pint glass too??;)

A mate told me that happens!:E

Gonzo and Jerricho don't stop............:D :D :D

[Jerricho]

Jealousy is an ugly thing......

Is that the best you can come up with!? Geeze Gonze, you're slipping. I'm sure you could hit waistcoatanon.com or letswearwhatwewantwithpride.net and come up with something better :p

(Or could you not be @rsed? I understand. You got loads to worry about what with them new taxiway designators and all)

[foghorn]

Thanks everyone who's given some insight into life at the college - every scrap of info is much appreciated.

Can I echo these sentiments. I stand here with an acceptance letter on my desk, with a good knowledge of how ATC works and what the job entails (for one still outside the profession), but I really haven't got much of a clue of what will go on in college.

Still, if they're changing the courses around so much, does anyone?

cheers!
foggy.

[Barnaby the Bear]

Basically, you will probably start with a lot of the theory first. This will include basic Met, Air Navigation Order (Law), Aircraft characteristics and recognition, and start going through MATS Part 1.
You probably won't spend very much time in the sims at first.

Unless its changed again. You should expect pretty much a 9-5, Monday to Friday scenario with some time for 'private study' when your class mates are on the sims.

In the class room expect your knowledge and overnight learning to be tested with random questioning.

Because the course is changing so much, as you say it is difficult to give a clear idea. I am fairly sure its the same with regard to more theory at the beginning of the course.

Its not easy, and people will fail. But its well worth the effort.
Good luck





:} :} :}

[Gonzo]

Jerricho,

Haven't been home for quite a while. I can tell you've missed me! Been over on your continent for a week, and I've just done an examiner's course in Wales (they charge you to get in there, quite bizarre.......) as well. Got my first bash at "Left on Alpha, north on Echo, hold at Echo two" tomorrow.

Oh, and back to the thread, the college works hours more like 0815-1630 now, I believe!

[Jerricho]

You can tell I missed you?

You still p*ssed from your course?

[Gonzo]

You still p*ssed from your course?

Oh, how well you know me! :D

[Papa Lazarou]

Have I really read remarks by Jericho on sartorial taste???

:ok:

[Jerricho]

Come on Gonze. You and I both know you sneak baby sips out of Mr. McC's glass when he's not looking!

[BobAgg]

Sla,

Lets be realistic here...

College is hard work!

Let us be in no doubt, you will be miserable/nervous/depressed/anxious in the immediate run up to any Written Exams/Summative Simulator Runs/Verbal Assessment!

You will have to work hard and be semi decent in the Sims to gain any respect from the instructors!

If you're successful, then good luck on the course and ENJOY!

Bob

[Phantom99]

Bob,

Took the words out my mouth!

I couldn't think of a job better than I'm doing at the moment, even if it does involve many sleepless nights before exams (or being sent to EGSS :) )

I had a look at the photo taken on the first day, I tried to think why I had such a cheesy grin - Then I remembered that I had been waiting almost 2 years to get there...Although the photo did show how tough the course is - almost a third of us didn't make it past AD2.

You'll certainly have a great time down here.

I'm going to miss those Halo matches while you're away for the next 3 mths :{

[Jerricho]

Have I really read remarks by Jericho on sartorial taste???

Hey, if you're gonna use big words about me, can you at least explain them. You know my vocabulary extends to "beer", "whisky" and "please may I have another"

http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/bigwave.gif

[Gonzo]

Only you could think 'satorial' was a big word!!!! I'm assuming that was the word you were having problems with?:p

[Jerricho]

No no........I was referring to "taste"!!!!

[Gonzo]

Ah, yes, well that would fit. :rolleyes: :D

[Jerricho]

Always got to try and have that last word, hey Gonze.

Just like me.